Where to Stay

Jakarta is home to more than 10 million people, mostly migrants from the archipelago seeking opportunities in the country's nerve center. Although the thought of finding somewhere to stay in this teeming city might sound like a daunting prospect, many good choices in all price ranges exist.

Accommodations in Indonesia are officially rated by the hospitality sector in two ways. The melati (jasmine) system applies to modest lodgings, whereas the bintang (star) system ranks establishments with business class facilities. Many of the star-graded accomodations offer apartments in addition to conventional rooms and penthouses. However, if you are staying long term on a shoestring budget, then jasmine-rated hotels are probably your best bet.

Golden Triangle

Most visitors choose to stay in and around the city's main commercial center, also known as the Golden Triangle. Certainly this is to be expected, with the markets, museums, cultural centers, upscale shopping arcades and monuments dotting the district. Hotels here mostly lie on Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said, Jalan M.H. Thamrin and Jalan Jenderal Sudirman. International chain properties within the area include the Regent, Gran Melia, Le Meridien, Sari Pan Pacific, President Nikko and Jakarta Hilton.

Just a stone's throw away from the Welcome Monument, two luxury hotels stand prominent. The Grand Hyatt ranks as one of the country's best business hotels, affording panoramas of the city and some of the largest rooms in Jakarta, while the Mandarin Oriental is touted as being popular with press agents.

Hotel Indonesia, the country's premier star-rated property, enjoys the same prime location across the road from the Grand Hyatt. Perfect for those on a more moderate budget, it promises a nostalgic trip into the past. Prominent figures who have passed through its doors include the late President Soekarno.

In a League of Its Own

North of the Golden Triangle, next to the Department of Foreign Affairs and near other government offices, the Borobudur Inter-Continental is the preferred choice of diplomats and guests of the government. Nicknamed the “presidential hotel”, it rates as one of the city's most luxurious accommodations, offering world-class service and facilities.

Affordability in the South

Hotels in Jakarta's downtown area offer unbeatable deals for those in search of less expensive rooms. Getting to the Golden Triangle is as easy as calling for a cab. Although public buses are available, travelers unfamiliar with the city are not advised to use them as they are mostly crowded, uncomfortable and prone to pickpockets.

The terra cotta Ambhara and the European-style Gran Mahakam make excellent options for those who prefer to stay downtown in a stylish hotel. Situated in the vicinity of Blok M shopping district, most amenities lie within easy access.

Kristal Hotel, formerly known as Le Cristal, has won many plaudits. Sited just a few minute's drive from the exclusive Pondok Indah residential zone, it distinguishes itself as Jakarta's best family hotel. Rooms are equipped like serviced apartments and cater to long-term guests, such as the families of students who attend the four international schools nearby.

Beachfront

Coastal options abound. Just hop in a cab and head for Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, a recreational resort providing all sorts of entertainment, from Fantasy World and an oceanarium to a host of water sports. Once there, you can choose to che ck into a hotel or, if you prefer, rent a cottage or a bungalow.

Pondok Putri Duyung Cottage, featuring a traditional Indonesian-style interior, boasts quality beachfront cottages and bungalows designed to stay cool despite the tropical climate. For newlyweds, the ultimate retreat is Horison, alternatively called the “honeymooners hotel”. Its rooms are said to be delightfully romantic, most of them facing the splendid ocean. Take a stroll on its private beach or indulge in some exciting water sports.

Families with children tend to stay at the Ancol Travelodge. Despite its name, however, it looks far from a typical motel, with an extravagant ship-like design.

Far West

Stay in the old Dutch quarters of the city to experie nce times gone by. The Omni Batavia evokes the Dutch era perfectly with its magnificent colonial-style decor. If you decide to check in here, remember to drop by the quaint 19th-century Cafe Batavia just a short ride away.

Imperial Century within the ambitious Lippo Karawaci residential complex in Tangerang (some 20 minutes west of Jakarta's Central Business District along the Jakarta-Tangerang growth corridor) pampers guests with a range of outstanding facilities, including an international-standard country club and a golf range.

Jalan Jaksa

The backpacker haven of Jalan Jaksa provides many comfortable no-frills accommodations priced at well below USD50 per day. The New Karya is an outstanding property in its class, offering reasonably clean rooms and scenic views over the surrounding kampong (village) for units on higher floors. A recommended alternative, Tator International Hostel, is immaculately clean. However, since it has only 20 rooms, you can expect it to be perpetually booked.

If these two are fully occupied, there is no reason to fret. Le Margot, the Sabang Metropolitan and Cemara Hotel form only part of a long list of budget lodgings in Jalan Jaksa. Also in this district lie the slightly more expensive and more reputable Ibis Tamarin and Ibis Arcadia.